Date of Birth: November 3, 1933
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
Date of Death: September 12, 1995
Biography
Jeremy Brett was an esteemed English actor, best known for his definitive portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in the Granada Television series from 1984 to 1994. Born as Peter Jeremy William Huggins, Brett’s distinguished career spanned theater, television, and film. He trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London and initially made his mark on stage with the Old Vic company. Brett’s portrayal of Sherlock Holmes is often regarded as the most faithful to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s creation, capturing the detective’s eccentricities and sharp intellect. His dedication to the role was so intense that it took a toll on his own mental health. Brett also appeared in numerous other productions, including “My Fair Lady” (1964) where he played Freddy Eynsford-Hill, and “War and Peace” (1972). He remains a celebrated figure in the world of acting, especially among Sherlock Holmes enthusiasts.
5 Interesting Facts about Jeremy Brett
1. Jeremy Brett changed his surname because there was already a Peter Huggins registered with Equity, the British actors’ union.
2. Brett was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, which he openly discussed in interviews, shedding light on mental health issues in the acting community.
3. He was a classically trained singer but had to give up singing after a vocal cord operation.
4. Brett’s portrayal of Sherlock Holmes was so intense that he began to blur the lines between himself and the character, often staying in character off the set.
5. He was married twice, first to actress Anna Massey and later to Joan Wilson, a producer for PBS.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jeremy Brett
1. “Holmes has become the dark side of the moon for me. He’s my obsession.”
2. “I think I am the only actor who has ever played Holmes who wasn’t bored by him.”
3. “The greatest gift you can give someone is your friendship.”
4. “I am basically a romantic and idealistic person.”
5. “Acting is the most minor of gifts. After all, Shirley Temple could do it when she was four.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Jeremy Brett’s net worth was estimated to be around $2 million.
Children
Jeremy Brett had one son, David Huggins, with his first wife, Anna Massey. David Huggins is an author and illustrator.
Relevant Links
1. [Jeremy Brett Biography on IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0107950/bio
